Dreams and their interpretations have long fascinated humankind. The Bible contains many examples of God sending messages to people through dreams and visions. Interpreting these divine dreams correctly was of utmost importance. Here are some prominent biblical examples of dream interpretation: Joseph’s Dreams One of the most well-known dream interpreters in the Bible is Joseph, son of Jacob. As a young man, Joseph had two prophetic dreams which he shared with his family: “Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. He said to them, “Hear this dream that I…
Author: Kerry Baysinger
Smudging is a ritual practice that involves burning sacred plants like sage, sweetgrass, or cedar to produce smoke that is believed to have spiritual cleansing and healing properties. It has origins in various indigenous cultures around the world and has become increasingly popular in New Age and holistic health circles today. But what does the Bible have to say about this practice? Here is an in-depth look at over 9000 words on the biblical perspective on smudging. The Practice of Smudging To understand the biblical view on smudging, it is important first to have a clear understanding of what smudging…
The book of Ecclesiastes raises many profound questions about the meaning of life. Here are some of the key questions explored in this fascinating book: Is Life Meaningless? The author of Ecclesiastes frequently declares that “everything is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). This is one of the major themes running throughout the book. The author reflects on the seeming futility of life and human endeavors. People work hard and then die, leaving their wealth and accomplishments behind. The repetitive cycles of life seem futile. This leads the author to ask whether there is any lasting purpose or meaning to life. What Brings…
There are a few key reasons why there are so many different Christian interpretations of the Bible and theology: 1. The Bible can be interpreted in different ways The Bible is a complex text written over many centuries by dozens of authors in different genres ranging from poetry to prophecy to history. There are many passages that are not 100% clear in their meaning or application. Sincere Christians can study the same passage and come to differing conclusions about what it means. Some examples include: Baptism – Should infants be baptized or only believing adults? What does baptism signify? Communion…
The Book of Job in the Bible tackles some of the most difficult questions people have about suffering and God’s justice. Here is an in-depth look at some of the key questions raised in Job and what the Bible has to say in response. Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People? This is perhaps the most common question raised when discussing the Book of Job. Job was a righteous man who feared God and turned away from evil (Job 1:1), yet he experienced intense suffering in losing his property, children, and health. People naturally wonder why a good, moral…
Jesus’ statement “Let the little children come to me” is found in three of the four Gospels – Matthew, Mark and Luke. In order to fully understand why Jesus made this statement, we need to examine the context around it in each of these accounts. Matthew 19:13-15 In Matthew’s account, Jesus has just finished teaching about marriage and divorce. Some Pharisees had tried to test Jesus by asking him if divorce was lawful. After responding to their question, Matthew tells us: Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked…
Here are some common questions people have about the book of 1 Chronicles in the Bible and explanations of what it contains: What is the purpose and message of 1 Chronicles? The Book of 1 Chronicles covers much of the same time period as 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings, but from a different perspective. 1 Chronicles focuses on the religious history of Israel and Judah from Adam to the end of the Babylonian captivity. It emphasizes the role of the tribe of Levi, the descendants of Aaron the priest, as well as the line of David and his…
The places of Golgotha and Calvary are significant locations in the Bible, especially in relation to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The terms “Golgotha” and “Calvary” refer to the same place, with slight differences in translation. Let’s explore what the Bible reveals about this important site. Meaning of the Terms Golgotha and Calvary “Golgotha” is an Aramaic word meaning “skull” or “place of the skull.” It was likely called this because the hill resembles a skull or because it was a place of execution where skulls would be found. Golgotha is the term used in Matthew 27:33, Mark 15:22, John…
The relationship between David and Jonathan is one of the most well-known friendships in the Bible. Though they came from very different backgrounds, these two men formed a deep bond that withstood great adversity and ultimately changed the course of a nation. David was the youngest son of Jesse, a sheepherder from Bethlehem. He was chosen by God to be the next king of Israel after Saul, Israel’s first king, disobeyed God’s commands. When we first meet David in 1 Samuel 16, he is a humble shepherd boy, commissioned by his father to bring food to his older brothers who…
Eclecticism is a philosophical approach that does not hold rigidly to a single paradigm, doctrine, or set of assumptions. Rather, eclecticism draws on various theories, ideas, and perspectives to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a particular issue or field of study. The Bible does not directly address eclecticism. However, there are some principles and examples in Scripture that can provide insight into a Christian perspective on eclecticism. Seeking Truth Wherever It Is Found The Bible affirms that all truth comes from God. Psalm 25:5 says, “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of…